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Upcoming Event
NIACS is is launching a new initiative that will develop tools and resources related to managing water resources in forested landscapes. It will draw upon the existing Adaptation Workbook toolkit to create a new, water-focused "menu" of climate adaptation strategies and approaches that can be used as part of a structured decision-making process. Contact Danielle Shannon to learn more!
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Wisconsin
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| Climate Wisconsin 2050_ Forestry Sector bulletin |
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Climate 2050 series focuses on Wisconsin's forestry sector
The forestry sector accounts for 65,000 jobs and an economic output of $25 billion in Wisconsin, so there's a lot at stake with climate change impacts to the state's forests. As part of its Climate Wisconsin 2050 series of bulletins, the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) has published a new bulletin on forestry. This 8-page handout is designed to be a quick snapshot for forest managers, landowners, and forest products industry to consider. NIACS leads the WICCI Forestry Working Group with partners from The Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources, US Forest Service, UW-Extension, GLIFWC, and Bayfield County. Share the new bulletin with friends and co-workers, and contact Stephen with questions!
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Michigan
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| Northern hardwoods on the Hiawatha NF. |
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New study on Michigan's northern hardwoods
Researchers Mike Walters and Gary Roloff from Michigan State University have launched a huge study of Michigan's northern hardwood forests. This study focuses on management practices that aim to increase diversity and regeneration, which will be crucial information to put these forests in the best possible position to adapt to climate change. The study team will be looking at nearly 150 research plots across the state, each roughly 30 acres in size. Experimental variables will include different harvest methods, ground scarification, and even herbicide application - all designed to help maximize desirable, diverse regeneration. The treatments are scheduled to be harvested next winter, so we'll keep tabs on this project through time! |
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Minnesota
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| John Rajala leading a field tour at Sugar Hills. |
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New video blog from Rajala Companies adaptation site
Rajala Companies is a family-owned business that manages forestland across northern Minnesota, in addition to their own lumber and veneer mills. The Rajalas are implementing a climate adaptation project at their Sugar Hills property south of Grand Rapids, which focuses on northern hardwoods management and tending stands of paper birch and oak regeneration. John Rajala has recently created a series of YouTube videos that include live-action footage of the harvest work occurring at Sugar Hills, along with John's play-by-play narration of the decisions that went into the harvesting choices. They're a great view into the head of a forester! You can watch northern hardwood thinning at Sugar Hills, and also learn about the Finnish method of early crop tree release ("Raivous") that is also being implemented at Sugar Hills and other Rajala properties. Enjoy! |
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Online Education
NIACS created the
Adaptation Workbook as an online, interactive decision-making process. This year, we've re-launched the site with many new improvements. Most significantly, the Adaptation Workbook now supports urban forestry and agriculture projects, in addition to regular forestry projects. Visit the Adaptation Workbook and give it a try - we think you'll like what you see!
The Climate Change Resource Center (CCRC) has released a new interactive online education module, "Responses to Climate Change: What You Need to Know." It provides a brief overview of adaptation options for resistance, resilience, and transition, and how to incorporate these ideas into natural resource management. This is the third module in a series; the first two cover the fundamentals of climate change science and an overview of climate change effects around the country.
NOAA's National Center for Environmental Information, North Carolina State University's Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites-North Carolina, along with many cooperating partners in every state has released a state-by-state assessment of climate change. Full of great graphics and printable PDFs!
Lake States Fire Science Consortium
The Lake States Fire Science Consortium is designed to share knowledge among researchers and managers across our region. They have a searchable Science Library of great resources, and a regular webinar series. The webinar on January 19 is on Fire and Aspen in the Great Lakes. Check it out!
These weekly seminars will occur through the spring, and will cover a range of topics including climate change, oak wilt, and urban forestry. Check out the whole schedule at the
Michigan SAF website!
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Feel free to contact
Stephen Handler with any comments questions or suggestions for projects within the Northwoods Response Framework!
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